A concerted effort involving the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio), supported by the Military Police and the Forest Guard, successfully targeted illegal gold mining operations in the rural area of Parauapebas, located in southeastern Pará. The operation took place on Friday, where law enforcement intensified their crackdown on clandestine gold extraction activities within the Igarapé Gelado Environmental Protection Area. The raid culminated in the arrest of two individuals and the referral of a minor found at the site to social services.

Aerial images from the operation showcased the significant environmental destruction caused by illegal mining, revealing large craters and flooded areas, with the water of the Azul River—an affluent of the Itacaiúnas basin—turning murky and heavily sediment-laden. The immediate goal of the operation was to halt the spread of unauthorized gold mining activities along the riverbanks, which threaten the local ecological balance and water quality. The operation serves as a critical measure against the ongoing environmental degradation associated with these mining practices.

In addition to arrests, the operation led to the seizure of equipment used for illegal gold extraction, including stationary engines, suction pumps, generators, and large quantities of diesel fuel. The findings underscore the scale of illegal operations in the region, highlighting the urgent need for protective measures for sensitive environments against such exploitative activities. This coordinated response reflects Brazil's ongoing battle against illegal mining and poses significant implications for conservation efforts in the Amazon region.